CEOs You Should Know - San Antonio

Michael Crowl, CEO and President of UFCU

Wed, 13 May 2026 19:43:19 +0000

In this episode, we sat down with Michael Crowl, CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), to talk about his leadership journey, the organization’s deep Austin roots, and how UFCU continues to deliver a people-first banking experience in a modern world.

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Warren and Ashley Stroud of Plumbing Outfitters

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:14:10 +0000

Central Texas businees Plumbing Outfitters celebrates it's 10th anniversary next year. Founders and owners Warren and Ashley Stroud talk about the history of Plumbing Outiftters, it's creation and it's philosophy for it's mission statement "Plumbing Outfitters, your guide for all things plubming"

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Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:23:11 +0000

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Austin Market President, Christine Escobar speaks with Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development, about his journey into real estate development and the mission behind building thoughtful, community-driven projects. Bennett shares insights on leadership, navigating market shifts, and building trust across investors, municipalities, and communities. The conversation also explores redefining success as a CEO and what’s next for Cayetano Development’s growing impact.

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KALYN ASHER, FOUNDER OF ASHER MEDIA & AVALANCHE MEDIA

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:58:31 +0000

Kalyn Asher is an award-winning advertising agency founder and media strategist with more than three decades of experience building brands and partnerships that last. She is the founder of Asher Media in Dallas (est. 1999) and Avalanche Media Group in Austin (est. 2012). A University of Texas advertising graduate, Kalyn is also an alumna of the Dartmouth Tuck Executive Program and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She has led media strategy across many brands in Retail, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Sports, Technology, CPG, Entertainment and more. Kalyn remains focused on staying at the forefront of innovation across all media channels. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:32:35 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders, to explore her path into leadership and the values that drive her work. Morgan shares how she helps keep KM Builders innovative, community‑focused, and trusted across San Antonio. In honor of Women’s History Month, Morgan reflects on the women who shaped her career and offers heartfelt advice for young women pursuing leadership roles—especially in male‑dominated industries. She also looks ahead at how women’s roles in business are evolving. From personal values to community impact, Morgan brings insight, authenticity, and inspiration to the conversation.

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Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:18:38 +0000

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we highlight Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana and a third‑generation pecan farmer transforming the plant‑based beverage world. After seeing a gap in the market for clean, great‑tasting pecan milk, Kortney created Pecana—the world’s first fully organic, plant‑based milk made with 100% American pecans. Kortney shares the story behind Pecana, the personal mission that drives her, the early challenges of launching a first‑of‑its‑kind product, and how she’s innovating in a rapidly growing industry. She also reflects on key milestones, leadership lessons, and what’s next for Pecana.

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Vanessa Van De Putte, President & CEO of Dixie Flag & Banner Company

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:57:29 +0000

In this Women’s History Month edition of CEOs You Should Know, Rosie Perez sits down with Vanessa Van de Putte, President and CEO of Dixie Flag and Banner Company—a 68‑year‑old, family‑owned San Antonio manufacturer known for its craftsmanship in flags, banners, signage, and event décor. Vanessa shares how her background in film and event production shaped her leadership approach, what it means to carry forward a multigenerational legacy, and how American manufacturing is evolving.
As a statewide and national leader in the events industry, she offers insight on the future of suppliers, community leadership, and the women who’ve inspired her journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a CEO blending creativity, tradition, and innovation to move a Texas legacy into the future.

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HCTRA - Jerome Grey - Deputy Director Of Communications For Harris County Toll Road Authority

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:55:39 +0000

Former Texas journalists, Jerome Grey, shares the news about seamless travel benefits for those with a Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account.
Drivers with an EZ TAG or those who still have their TxTag now enjoy the same convenience when utilizing toll roads across the state thanks to the successful partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and HCTRA which began in December 2024. For toll road users it means:

- Tags that work throughout Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Colorado.
- Adding multiple vehicles on one account.
- More options to pay in person at retail locations.
- A more regional approach with HCTRA managing billing and customer service operations.
- Avoiding fees from multiple toll operators in the same region.
- A 10 percent discount on Harris County toll roads.
- Another important reminder is there are no fees to get tags."The message is simple. Whether it's convenience or savings, toll roads make life easier for everyone," said Jerome Gray, deputy director, Communications at HCTRA. The explosive population growth across Texas means drivers need options. Toll roads not only provide those options, they also provide a revenue source to maintain the roads and invest in other mobility projects.

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Elder Law Care Advocacy, Laura D. Heard of South Texas Family Law, Esther Pipoly of Loss of Life Advocates, & elder law attorney Carol Ber

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:22:43 +0000

In this episode, we bring together three leading experts in probate law, elder law, and life‑transition advocacy to help families understand what it really takes to prepare for the unexpected. If you've ever wondered what happens when a loved one passes without a will, how to plan for long‑term care, or when to seek professional support during a crisis, this conversation is full of clarity, compassion, and actionable advice.

Laura D. Heard – Probate, Wills & Estate Planning Attorney, Carol Bertsch – Certified Elder Law AttorneyEsther Cardenas Pipoly – Founder, Loss of Life Advocates

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Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:47:51 +0000

APUS President Nuno Fernandes is a visionary leader who has been successful in making online higher education more affordable and accessible, while delivering top-quality education and favorable student outcomes. As the fifth President of APUS, he is focused on a global digital journey that integrates personalized, collaborative, technology-driven learning experiences to prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.

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CEO Daniel Siegel of Synergy Health Partners

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:54:21 +0000

Bob Pickett interviews Daniel Siegel, CEO of Synergy Health Partners. Synergy Health Partners helps bring consistent surgeon availability to rural and frontier towns and ensures specialized healthcare is accessible, local, and sustainable. Founded in 2012 by practicing orthopaedic surgeons, Synergy understands the challenges hospitals face: recruitment, call coverage, access to care and patient satisfaction.

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Dr. Sunita Punjabi, Founder of Brain Coach

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:00:33 +0000

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia San Antonio Market President, Rosie Perez sits down with Dr. Punjabi, the visionary founder of Brain Coach. Discover how Brain Coach is transforming the way leaders think about brain health, cognitive performance, and resilience. Dr. Punjabi shares the inspiration behind the company, innovative strategies for boosting mental performance, and practical tips for CEOs looking to strengthen their cognitive edge. Plus, we explore the future of brain health and the trends shaping leadership success.

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Bruce Lowthers, CEO of Paysafe

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:21:37 +0000

Bruce Lowthers is the CEO and Executive Director of the Board at Paysafe, where he has led a successful transformation of the company since his appointment in May 2022. Under his leadership, Paysafe streamlined its operations, recalibrated its growth strategy, and returned to growth by focusing on innovation, customer experience, and a sales-driven culture.

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CEO Daniel Barnes of Highpour

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:51:11 +0000

Bob Pickett interviews Daniel Barnes, CEO of Highpour and The Notorious Collective and co-founder of Lady Bird Mixer and Waterloo Gin.

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Adam Nash, Co-Founder & CEO of Daffy

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:51:22 +0000

Adam Nash is the co-founder & CEO of Daffy.org, a modern, fast-growing platform for charitable giving. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, Daffy is short for the Donor-Advised Fund for You™. Adam has served as an executive, angel investor, and advisor to some of the most successful technology companies to come out of Silicon Valley.

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Anders Jones, CEO of Facet

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:02:41 +0000

Anders Jones is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Facet. Since the company’s founding in 2016, Anders has had overall responsibility for the strategy and execution of the company’s mission, and has been responsible for raising more than $200m in outside capital to fuel Facet’s growth.

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Carlos Llanes Jr., CEO & Founder of Spartan Carrier Group

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:47:30 +0000

Carlos M. Llanes Jr. is the founder and CEO of Spartan Carrier Group, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing logistics companies in North America. Recognized as one of the Top 500 Largest Hispanic-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses in the United States, Llanes’ company has earned national attention for its rapid growth, operational excellence, and unwavering values.

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CEOs You Should Know: Clem Pappas, CEO of Stateside Brands

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:55:40 +0000

Clement Pappas is the CEO and a Co-Founder of Stateside Brands, the maker of Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka / Lemonade + Vodka, Stateside Vodka Sodas and Stateside Vodka. In 2015, Stateside Vodka launched as a premium, American craft vodka brand and distillery in the heart of Philadelphia, PA.

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CEOs You Should Know: T.J. Farnsworth, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Inception Fertility

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:07:04 +0000

T.J. Farnsworth is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Inception Fertility, the largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America. With a background in healthcare entrepreneurship, Farnsworth has dedicated his career to transforming patient experiences through innovation and compassionate care. Inspired by his own family’s fertility journey, he launched Inception to create a more supportive and integrated approach to reproductive health.

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CEO's You Should Know Rob Neville President & CEO GoodWill Central Texas

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:58:28 +0000

Bob Pickett visits with Rob Neville President and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas.
Rob Neville is a successful business builder, entrepreneur, and turnaround enthusiast with over 30 years of valuation creation and delivery experience in private, public, and nonprofit environments across various industries, including the life sciences, software, healthcare IT, and venture capital. Rob has been a finalist in the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award multiple times, winning the Central Texas Life Science category in 2018. He was selected as E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year judge for 2021 and 2022. Rob was co-founder of a 501(c)(3) providing educational opportunities to inner-city at-risk youth in east Austin, has served as a member of the Board of Directors on the Austin Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and is currently on the nonprofit board of the Forward Foundation.

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How Keith Sommer & GSG Talent Solutions Are Redefining the Job Hunt

Thu, 08 May 2025 15:27:32 +0000

“What happens when life knocks you down—and no one seems willing to help you up?”

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of CEOs You Should Know, host Matt Holliday of 96.7 KISS FM Austin sits down with Keith Sommer, Senior Vice President of GSG Talent Solutions, a nonprofit staffing agency powered by Goodwill Central Texas. What starts as a casual chat about career paths quickly unfolds into a masterclass on resilience, reinvention, and the incredible power of purpose-driven work. Keith takes us behind the scenes of his own personal journey—from broadcast journalism to being laid off and facing uncertainty—to discovering a mission-driven career at Goodwill. His vulnerability sets the tone for a deeper conversation about transforming not just individual lives, but entire communities, through education and employment. Listeners will discover:

The powerful and often misunderstood scope of Goodwill Central Texas and how it operates like a business engine for social good.
How GSG Talent Solutions supports everyone from those reentering society after incarceration to highly-skilled professionals seeking a fresh start.
The wraparound services GSG provides, from transportation to financial literacy coaching—ensuring that those placed in jobs are supported in every aspect of their lives.
The remarkable true story of a formerly incarcerated man who became a CDL instructor and bought his first home—all because someone believed in him.

Keith shares the organization’s unwavering mission: “Transforming people’s lives through the power of education and work.” And he doesn’t just talk the talk—his passion, servant leadership philosophy, and team-first mentality offer a blueprint for what empathetic, effective leadership looks like in today's changing workforce landscape.

🔥 Memorable Quote: “If you’re willing to put in the time, energy, and effort—we’ll walk with you. You’re not doing it alone.”

Whether you’re navigating your own career crossroads or just want to hear how real-world leaders are changing lives every day, this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and heart.

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Fran Freeland Yanity, President & CEO of Noisy Trumpet Communications

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:25:08 +0000

In this episode, Charity McCurdy sits down with Fran Yanity, President and CEO of Noisy Trumpet Communications. Fran serves in leadership roles at The PM Group and Noisy Trumpet Communications, both of which are award-winning agencies in the marketing, advertising, and communications fields. The PM Group, leads in award-winning creative, media and marketing campaigns.
In honor of Women's History Month iHeartMedia highlighted inspirational local feamle business leaders. Fran shares why she thinks its important to honor women's contributions, challenges women in leadership face today, and those who have inspired her along the way.

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CEOs You Should Know: Rodney Ahart of Keep Austin Beautiful

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:25:14 +0000

Meet native Austinite Rodney Ahart of Keep Austin Beautiful, a local non profit organization that is celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year. With the Austin population growing each year, the mission of Keep Austin Beautiful is also growing. Rodney tells Bob how he became a part of this organization and moved up to the CEO position.

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CEOs You Should Know: Chris and Cheryl Henningson of Gator Garage

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:59:50 +0000

Meet Chris and Cheryl Henningson the owners and founders of Gator Garage a local, family owned garage door company that takes great pride in a job well done. Gator Garage not only specializes in residential garage doors and repairs but also commercial garage door repair and products.
Here's the story of their company, what inspired the company and also how they came up with the name "gator."
Chris also explains his marketing tactics and tells where the company is going in the future.
You will never look at a garage door the same way after listening to the podcast.

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CEOs You Should Know: Christiana Jurca, President and CEO of Alamo Prints, Inc and the President of LDC Health Solutions

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:52:23 +0000

In this episode, Jennie James sits down with Christiana Jurca, President and CEO of Alamo Prints, Inc., and President of LDC Health Solutions. Christiana shares how she and her business partner, David Padilla, identified a critical healthcare need and leveraged her marketing and healthcare expertise to connect patients with unique services. We also explore how Alamo Prints fills a gap in the custom print market, serving clients from large businesses to DIY enthusiasts across the country. Tune in to hear about Christiana's journey and the impact of her work on a global scale.

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CEOs You Should Know: Chris Watters

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:07:48 +0000

Welcome to "CEOs You Should Know," where we uncover the stories behind the trailblazers shaping industries and driving innovation. In this episode, Bob sits down with Chris Watters, the visionary founder of Waters International Realty, to delve into his incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a real estate powerhouse.

Growing up in Austin, Texas, Chris has witnessed firsthand the city's dramatic transformation over decades. He takes us back to the days of two-lane highways and warehouse-filled downtown streets, painting a vivid picture of a city that has evolved alongside his remarkable career. Starting as a lawn care entrepreneur during college, Chris shares the pivotal moment when a client pushed him toward real estate—a decision that changed his life forever.

From navigating the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis to building a network of contractors who trusted his vision, Chris reveals his formula for success, encapsulated in his "Three P’s"—Product, Promotion, and Price. Learn how he turned the Great Recession into a springboard for opportunity, mastered the art of selling "unsellable" homes, and developed a unique approach to tackling even the most unconventional challenges, including a house with 60 cats, eight dogs, and a donkey.

Chris’s story is more than a tale of real estate success—it’s about grit, innovation, and mentorship. He opens up about his leadership style, the high standards that define his team, and the satisfaction of seeing his colleagues thrive and retire early through smart investments. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, real estate, or personal growth, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

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CEOs You Should Know: Jenny Hixon, CEO of Any Baby Can

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:19:44 +0000

In this episode of "CEOs You Should Know," host Pedro Al Aire sits downs with Jenny Hixon, CEO of Any Baby Can. Join Pedro and Jenny as they discuss more about their annual Angel Affiar fundraising event on September 7th and the services provided by Any Baby Can.

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CEOs You Should Know: Rudy D. Garza, President & CEO of CPS Energy

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 15:00:02 +0000

In this episode of “CEOs You Should Know,” host Pedro Al Aire sits down with Rudy Garza, President & CEO of CPS Energy. Join Pedro and Rudy as they delve into:

San Antonio’s Growing Energy Needs: Explore how the city is addressing its increasing demand for energy and the innovative solutions being implemented.
Improving Customer Relations: Discover the strategies Rudy has employed to enhance the relationship between CPS Energy and the residents of San Antonio, ensuring better service and communication.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of energy in San Antonio and the leadership driving positive change.

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CEOs You Should Know: Julia Dexter, Co-Founder & CEO of Shoelace Learning

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:33:49 +0000

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CEOs You Should Know: John Woods, Chief Academic Officer & Provost of University of Phoenix

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:31:48 +0000

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CEO You Should Know: Travis Penfield, Founder and CEO of 49 Financial.

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:36:05 +0000

Travis Penfield, Founder and CEO of 49 Financial, is an industry visionary and is making waves in the financial planning space. Travis founded 49 Financial in 2015 under the umbrella of a captive insurance company, and in 2019, at the age of 30, Travis took the brand and company fully independent. 49 Financial has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Northwest Arkansas, and Atlanta with plans to expand to 10 new cities in the next 3 years. In the first 18 months of independence, Travis has led 49 Financial to $155mm in AUM and it’s only continued to grow. Travis is a visionary—moving people to action for their betterment. He does this for a 300+ team comprised of 150 advisors, 150 individuals in the testing program, and a scaling central headquarters team all focused on 49’s clients and the communities we inhabit. His vision is to see the financial services industry change for the better—to serve clients with excellence and integrity, to give clients a vision of how to be generous with their money and what life can look like after retirement, and to teach the young advisors he is leading how to give back to their communities. Travis lives in Austin with his wife Jaclyn, their daughters Charlotte, Olivia, and Madison, and their golden doodle Duncan. In his spare time you can find Travis hanging with his girls, playing golf, catching a Peloton ride, or enjoying wine and good food.

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CEO You Should Know: Katie Fang, Founder and CEO of SchooLinks.

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:35:36 +0000

Katie Fang is the founder & CEO of SchooLinks; a college and career readiness platform that helps students plan their post-secondary paths and districts improve their college and career readiness program outcome. She founded the company in 2016 shortly after graduating from college with a degree in finance and discovering that her own postsecondary planning journey had not been reflective of her own career goals. She has been featured in Forbes, named to its 30 under 30 list, and has mentored young entrepreneurs in her community as a part of her work with the University of Texas' Longhorn Lab.

SchooLinks is the most modern, robust college and career readiness solution on the market. Supporting 80+ interactive experiences from interest discovery to academic and post-secondary planning - SchooLinks offers internship matching, career mentorship, industry partner management and other features that help districts broaden the definition of college and career readiness. Our platform is powered by modern technologies such as machine learning, virtual reality, and mobile-enabled experiences.

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CEO You Should Know: Isaac Higgins, Founder and CEO of Cage Free Care

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:35:07 +0000

Cage Free Care is a fixed-cost healthcare membership program that is being offered as an alternative to the growing cost and inconvenience of the existing insurance-based healthcare system. This innovative direct care program gives patients the key to quality and affordable healthcare in emergency medicine, direct primary care and telemedicine. Cage Free Care members no longer have to worry about the cost or access to care. Our program gives members the key to break free from the "Cage" of co-pays, deductibles, filing claims, surprise bills, making appointments, or waiting for their care. Healthcare the way it should be. Developed in Austin, Texas Cage Free Care is both the best of the past and future of our healthcare system. By restoring the patient/doctor relationship of the past and uniting it with the innovation of memberships to standalone healthcare facilities, Cage Free Care is giving members the key to the way healthcare should be.

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